BLI decoders :(

[propmeup1]

Well here i go again. Of my 35 bli locos I now have five that have the same issue. All sounds work but they do not move. Tried the same old song and dance, re set etc etc. I usually end up sending them back for repair and wait months to get them back.  I have put Soundtraxx in a few and I'm good at doing so but i have issues setting up the lighting. Not sure what resistors to use etc without blowing out the light part of the decoder. frustrating for me.  I'm all mechanical. Been a machinist forever and can build or make anything but i struggle with electronics or CNC machines which I hate.   Any ideas to do to the BLI engines with the problem they're having other then send them back or put in my own decoders.
     

[jdcolombo]

What engines are you having issues with?

I've stripped out the BLI decoders in my PA-1's and my light Mikados and replaced them with ESU LokSound.  None of this is exactly easy, however.   But I'd say that if you are a machinist, you have the inherent talent to learn and do decoder installs.  Soldering and wiring are somewhat different skill sets, but anyone that can do skilled machining work ought to be able to learn these skills.

If you live anywhere close to central Illinois, I'm happy to help you get started.

John C.

[jjb62556]

I will not buy another BLI locomotive till they outsource the decoders...I was 4 for 4 with failures...all decoder related...

[propmeup1]

Mr. JD Colombo I wish I did live closer. I'm in DE. I have no problems wiring and soldering. I can program the new decoders as well. My big issue is getting the lights to work.
I've installed four in the EM-1 and Kato FEFs and three cab fwd and some others that are pretty much straight fwd wiring and soldering but it's getting the lights to work in the BLI engines.  I used a T1 to make the S1 with the 3D body. Fun job but it has no lights.

I wish BLI made them DCC ready so we can drop in what we want.   I haven't had any mechanical issues with BLI engines. Just their damn decoders crap out and I'm not running them to death.  My six M1s are my go to steamers from BLI. They run great but I bet I just jinxed myself.

[mu26aeh]

I wish BLI made them DCC ready so we can drop in what we want.   I haven't had any mechanical issues with BLI engines. Just their damn decoders crap out and I'm not running them to death.  My six M1s are my go to steamers from BLI. They run great but I bet I just jinxed myself.

See here, and fill out survey.  They are asking preference for decoder ready/installed

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=54889.0

[peteski]

Mr. JD Colombo I wish I did live closer. I'm in DE. I have no problems wiring and soldering. I can program the new decoders as well. My big issue is getting the lights to work.
I've installed four in the EM-1 and Kato FEFs and three cab fwd and some others that are pretty much straight fwd wiring and soldering but it's getting the lights to work in the BLI engines.  I used a T1 to make the S1 with the 3D body. Fun job but it has no lights.

Going by your experience (and successful light/LED installs in other locos), I'm sure that with our help you can successfully get the lights working in your other locos.  Especially if you are good with wiring and soldering. Seriously, it's as easy as hooking up a motor to the decoder (with possibly having to add a series resistor).  2-wire hookup!  What you do for a job is 100 times more involved and complex than hooking lights to a decoder.

Or if you are so afraid of attacking this problem, we have few members here who do decoder installs for a fee.  I'm sure they can do the decoder swap for you.

We could start with helping you out in adding working lights in that S1/T1. Probably start another thread in the DCC section.

Also, which specific locos with their BLI decoders have the "no-run" condition?